Billy Crystal Features

This is the section for all our "FUN" Billy Crystal information - please enjoy!

Did You Know?

… that Billy Crystal is a huge baseball fan. In his youth, he longed for a career as a professional baseball player and did have some talent in that regard. His love of the game led him to a close relationship with baseball legend Mickey Mantle. His insiders knowledge of the man contributed to his direction of the HBO baseball movie about Mantle and Maris' bid to break Babe Ruth's homerun record called 61*. Billy Crystal also participated in the documentary, Mantle - The Definitive Story of Mickey Mantle (2005).

… that directing is no fluke for Billy Crystal. He studied film and television directing at New York University's film school (briefly with Professor Martin Scorsese). His talent is evident in the three movies he has directed: 61*, Forget Paris and Mr. Saturday Night (pictured here.)

… that Billy Crystal holds the distinction of playing television's first openly gay character in producer Aaron Spelling's famous soap opera parody sitcom, Soap that ran from 1977-1981.

... that Billy Crystal's openings for the Oscars were the best. So far he has hosted the show eight times (only Bob Hope has hosted more.) And he has won 4 Emmy's for his Academy Award telecast work.

... that Billy Crystal has written two books about his love for his grandchild.

On Location

Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In the early 1960's, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce developed the idea of the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." The sidewalks of the most famous streets in the heart of Hollywood were lined with "stars" recognizing celebrities' life-long contributions to the entertainment industry. Receiving a star is still to this day considered a huge honor. Here's where you can find Billy Crystal's star: